Rise in protectionism reason for Canada, EU to work more closely: outgoing envoy
The European Union’s departing ambassador says a rise in protectionism and its threat to free trade is cause for Canada and the EU to work together even more closely, as the free trade deal between the two is finally set to come into force provisionally in September. A delay of more than two months to […]
Conspiracy theories could spark Conservative feud
OAKVILLE, ONT.—Canadian conservative politics is irredeemably dull, unless that is, it becomes embroiled in some sort of conspiracy theory, at which point it can be fun to watch. This is why I read with interest a recent Hill Times article in which two prominent Conservatives MPs—Brad Trost and Erin O’Toole—suggested that a newly formed group […]
Former NDP staffer Lavigne takes on western role for Counsel Public Affairs
This just in: former veteran NDP strategist and top staffer Brad Lavigne has joined Counsel Public Affairs as its principal and vice-president of its western division. Starting July 17, Mr. Lavigne said as vice-president he is in charge of “overseeing the expansion [of Counsel] into British Columbia,” and later in Alberta. “There’s a tremendous opportunity in the […]
Famous Canadians shouldn’t behave badly abroad
TORONTO—Dear Famous Canadians: Canadians behaving badly in the United States: you could practically write a book about the subject, couldn’t you? On the Right side of the spectrum, there was the time that former Toronto mayor Rob Ford was arrested in Miami, mugshot and all. Ford told a Miami police officer to “go ahead take […]
Conservative senior economic adviser exits amid leadership transition
Cam Vidler, who’d been a senior economic policy adviser to the Conservative leader, has left the Hill amid the transition that’s followed Conservative MP Andrew Scheer’s election as the new official opposition leader. He marked his last day on the Conservative leader’s team on June 23. Mr. Vidler had been hired to advise then-interim Conservative […]
From lawbreaker to lawmaker: Conservative MP pens book to help others with alcohol addiction
From facing two driving impairment charges because of alcoholism to becoming a Member of Parliament, a Conservative MP is hoping his newly released autobiography will help those who may be suffering from addiction. Guy Lauzon (Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, Ont.) writes about his life between the ages of 15 and 30, when he was addicted to alcohol, […]
Tory Senators divided over whether they really agreed to term limits
As several Conservative Senators reach their eight-year service mark this August, some say the idea that they had pledged to only stay that long is a myth, because former prime minister Stephen Harper had only asked for their support to pass a bill. But two Tory Senators don’t see it that way, with one saying […]
‘Fomenting misunderstanding for partisan reasons,’ Green Leader May slams ‘horrific’ Conservative response to Khadr’s $10.5-million settlement
While the Conservatives have rallied to criticize the Liberal government’s $10.5-million settlement with former Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Khadr, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May says the Conservatives’ response has been “horrific” and that it’s “fomenting misunderstanding for partisan reasons.” “It’s horrific. There’s a complete disconnect from the reasons that the apology and some level of […]
Conservatives play cheap politics on federal government’s payment to Omar Khadr
The Conservatives are saying Omar Khadr “murdered” U.S. Army medic Christopher Speer with a grenade in 2002. It’s all in their latest ad on the party’s website, headlined, “Meet Canada’s newest multi-millionaire—Omar Khadr.” There’s a big black and white photo of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlined in red and photoshopped over another even bigger image […]
When every other explanation fails, there’s always stupidity
TORONTO—Stupidity. When every other explanation fails, there’s always stupidity. Remember that, boys and girls. Let us explain. Back at the beginning of time, when this writer wrote for the Calgary Herald and the Ottawa Citizen and the like, media folks still had expense accounts. It’s true, we did. We would gather at local canteen, and […]
